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Miniature Schnauzer Mobile

Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is a small, sturdy, muscular dog with an alert outlook. Their eyebrows, moustache and leg hair gives them a very distinctive appearance.

The need-to-know
  • Dog suitable for owners with some experience
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Enjoys walking an hour a day
  • Small dog
  • Minimum drool
  • Requires grooming every other day
  • Hypoallergenic breed
  • Very vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • Great family dog

Key Facts

Lifespan: 12–15 years
Weight: 5.4–9.1kg
Height: 30–36cm
Colours: Salt and pepper, black with silver markings, solid black or white in colour, although white is rarely seen
Size: Small
Kennel Club group: Utility

Ratings

Family-friendly: 5/5
Exercise needs: 5/5
Easy to train: 5/5
Tolerates being alone: 5/5
Likes other pets: 3/5
Energy level: 5/5
Grooming needs: 2/5
Shedding: 2/5

Personality

The Miniature Schnauzer is a lively, active little dog and can make a fun, rewarding companion. They can be very much a terrier at heart however, and do need consistent reward-based training and socialisation. A natural watchdog, they are quite vocal and will be quick to alert the family of any strangers approaching their territory.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Germany

The Schnauzer has been a working farm dog in Germany since at least the 14th century where it took the role of a fearless terrier largely employed to kill vermin but could also turn their paw to flock-guarding, property guarding and cattle driving.

The ancestry of the Miniature Schnauzer is not quite so clear although we know it dates from the end of the 19th century - with some saying that the Schnauzer was crossed with the Affenpinscher to create this miniaturisation, while other claim that Miniature Poodles, Pomeranians, Scottish Terriers and Miniature Pinchers could have contributed to the breed.

The original idea was to produce a smaller vermin killer but they soon became far better known as companion dogs.

Did You Know?

  • There are three sizes of Schnauzers - the Standard Schnauzer, the Giant Schnauzer and the Miniature Schnauzer. While they all look alike, they have very different personalities.
  • Miniature Schnauzer’s thick facial hair isn’t just for show, it was also for protection when they were ratters.
  • Their original name was ‘Wire-haired Pinscher’.
  • These tiny dogs are incredibly brave and a Miniature Schnauzer called Cash actually chased a black bear off of their owners driveway!
Dog with red collar looking out the window
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